Word
lavatory
Phoneticslava·to·ry
US/ˈɫævəˌtɔɹi/
UK/lˈævətəɹˌi/
Definitions
01a toilet or bathroom
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Formal · British English
n. a polite or formal word for a toilet, or the room that contains it.
n. a room containing a toilet, or the toilet fixture itself. Often used as a formal euphemism in British English or on aircraft.
“The flight attendant showed the passenger where the nearest lavatory was located.”
“The historic building's original plans included a small lavatory on each floor, though these have since been modernised for public use.”
02a washing bowl
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic · Formal
n. a bowl or sink used for washing your face and hands.
n. a vessel or basin used for washing, particularly in a religious or formal historical context.
“The monk used a stone lavatory to wash his hands before the ceremony.”
“The cathedral's cloister features a beautifully preserved medieval lavatory where the brothers once performed their daily ablutions.”
Etymology
From Middle English lavatorie, from Late Latin lavātōrium, from Latin lavāre (“to wash”) + -ium (forming places related to an activity). As a place to pan gold, via Spanish lavadero. Doublet of lavatorium and laver. See also lave.
From Latin lavātōrius.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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